Tag: Birchbox

Brand Spotlight: Manna Kadar

Manna Kadar // Belle Belle Beauty

Did you know about Manna Kadar? I didn’t until about a week ago. The brand has even been featured in my beloved Birchbox and I just missed it! Well, this little brand packs quite the punch. I have been wearing two of their signature items and certainly won’t stop anytime soon.

First up is the sheer glo – fans of Armani’s Fluid Sheer, pay attention. I adore Fluid Sheer but always love recommending a more affordable option. Sheer glo is that same iridescent liquid that can be worn alone or mixed with your foundation. What sets it apart is its hydrating formula, making it work really well my drier skin. I also have been swiping it on my collar bones and down my shins for a little body glow!

Prime Time is very similar to the MAC Paint Pot I reviewed last week here, albiet in a much lighter shade than Painterly. At first, I thought it was too light. But it completely neutralizes any coloring before you apply eyeshadow. I’ve found that it transforms my metallic shades. And, as a primer should, it prevents smudging and creasing. If you have a big event or a photo shoot, try it as a lip primer. It will keep dark, deep shades from feathering and give a purity of color.

Next up on my list, is this amazing palette – Gold Digger Contouring Palette. How cool does that look??

Manna Kadar Gold Digger Contouring Palette // Belle Belle Beauty

You can find Manna Kadar products on their web page or at Birchbox.

AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE WAS PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.

Birchbox + Color Club Nail Art Kit

 Birchbox + Color Club Nail Art Kit // Belle Belle Beauty

Birchbox does it right. I’m already hooked on the sample delivery service and now they have introduced a nail art kit with Color Club that is just too good (and for only $30). The kit contains:

  • Nail Art Duo Pens in White and Black with a skinny striper brush on one end and a pen on the other end for precise designs
  • Mini French Tip Polish, a pure white lacquer
  • Mini Look Book Polish, a deep, true red hue
  • Gold Flakes, real gold leaf that can be applied to nails with tweezers
  • Sealer, a top coat that prevents chips

Birchbox Nail Kit How-To // Belle Belle Beauty

You can do any of the above designs just using the detailed how-to on Birchbox here!

And remember, shopping at Birchbox means:
  • Free shipping on all products from December’s sampled brands.
  • Free shipping on all orders over $25 until 12/31.
  • Free returns within 90 days of purchase

Julep Nail Care and Giveaway

Beauty subscription services have come on strong over the past year. Birchbox has long been a favorite, having introduced me to brands I would never have heard about otherwise. And beauty samples in the mail is definitely a treat. So it was about time for me to try out another popular service: Julep.

Julep is all about nail care. These boxes are a great way to build a high quality polish collection. You can do a style quiz to determine which introductory box you receive. Or you can just select what jumps out. I was drawn to the Classic With A Twist Julep Maven Box, featuring two polishes (Kate and Rose) and The Best Pedi Cream Ever. I’ve been thrilled with the Pedi Cream – it might even live up to its name. The formula contains exfoliating alpha hydroxy acids. It is unusually hydrating with shea butter and coconut oil. I’ve been using it nightly and have noticed it makes quite a difference.

Kate  is a soft white pearl. It requires a steady hand and three coats, but I love the look of white nails. Rose is juicy watermelon red crème that goes on beautifully. The color is opaque with perfect coverage after two coats. Julep Nail Color is “4-free” and does not contain formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, toluene, or DBP. The brush is an exclusive design – flat with micro-frayed brush hairs that makes application a breeze.

When you join Julep Mavens, you receive an introductory box. Then on the 20th of each month, you get an email with the newest offering. You can do nothing if you want the box, or simply log on and opt out between the 20th and 24th to skip the month. Use the code “MAVENINTRO” to get your introductory box for just a penny. The polishes are also currently carried in Sephora.

I am so glad to be able to share an introductory box with one of my readers! The giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents. Enter using the widget below:

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Rafflecopter giveaway

Gossip Girl Birchbox

Two of my favorite things: Monday nights with Gossip Girl and Birchbox. How can you NOT be excited? I’ve been a Birchbox subscriber for well over a year and am still thrilled by the arrival of each box. Monthly, they deliver personalized beauty samples from companies like Kiehl’s, Benefit, Deborah Lippmann and Stila. No, not every sample is perfect for me. But most are fabulous and getting beauty goodies in your mailbox is just too much fun.

And if you haven’t already signed up, get on board so you don’t miss May’s Gossip Girl special edition. The GG Makeup Artist, Amy Tagliamonti, and Hairstylist, Jennifer Johnson, will fill the box with beauty products inspired by Manhattan’s poshest social set. And get this: the box will have clues for the season finale on May 14th! If you aren’t a subscriber and don’t want to miss this box, sign up here.